2012 Casino Expenditure hits $1.14 Billion

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A new state report says expenditures by Iowa's 18 state-regulated casinos hit $1.14 billion last year. It was the first year since 2008 that the casinos spent more than $1 billion.

The Des Moines Register reports that the 14 percent growth over 2011 came in large part from the 2011 opening of a casino in northwest Iowa and improvements at other casinos.

Industry leaders also say the increased spending and revenue show the industry has stabilized after three years of lower returns.

The report says the 18 casinos last year spent about $286 million on payroll and benefits; $363 million on equipment, supplies, and services; $405 million on federal, state and local taxes; and $87 million on charitable donations and other nonprofit contributions.